Customer Reviews

Honoring Our Ancestors: Inspiring Stories of the Quest for Our Roots

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Having read and LOVED,"In Search of Our Ancestors" by Megan Smolenyak, I was very excited to learn of her latest book, "Honoring Our Ancestors". It's a great follow up on the first book. For those on a time schedule that doesn't allow long periods of reading, this book can be savored (just like the first) by reading one story at a time. Each story is only a few pages long. It's gives one thought as to how we can each choose a way to honor our own ancestors. Give it a try, and if you haven't read the first book, PLEASE don't miss it, also!

Megan's newest book is the perfect read for an evening in a big armchair, perhaps surrounded by photos of your loved ones. Her stories bring to mind personal stories of my own family and inspire me to do some exploration of my own roots. Her writing is accessible, engaging and interesting. Great old photos too!

The book is a series of short two-page stories that demonstrate the many ways in which people honor their ancestors. Whether it is retracing their steps or quilting their lives, this book shows such wonderfully simple ways in which we can attain that connection between past and present.

For me personally, it has inspired me to set up a program where refugee children can document their past for posterity, information that would otherwise be lost within one generation.

This is a must read.

Anyone interested in family history should read "Honoring Our Ancestors." It shows how people today are taking the field of genealogy way beyond just the recording of names and dates. The book contains a series of tales by contemporary family historians telling in their own words not only how they researched their ancestors' lives, but how they have used what they learned to honor their ancestors' memories. Some of the tales are astonishing, some are deeply moving and one or more will probably inspire you to find your own way to honor your own ancestors, as they did me. There is no better gift you could give to "the genealogist who has everything." Actually, I'd recommend this for any family researcher's library. I've read it a couple of times already, and loaned it to friends, who all loved it and bought it for themselves and to give as gifts.

I got this as a gift for Christmas, loved it, and I have since given copies to other people as gifts--and they too have found it incredibly moving and inspiring. These stories are amazing, and the book has prompted me to look into my own family's history. I can't recommend this book more highly.

Those of us who are addicted to the rush of discovering the lives and times of our ancestors need to be reminded that the research we do is only part of the excitement. Celebrating and sharing our discoveries is the other, and perhaps more important, side to our hunt. This book is the place to discover the many unique ways others have chosen to honor their ancestors and share their heritage. The sometimes funny, sometimes touching, and always inspiring tales will demonstrate many creative and diverse ideas. It could provide good ideas, or inspire you to come up with your own. Your story might even be in Megan's follow-up book. (There will be another...right Megan?)

"Honoring Our Ancestors" will touch your heart and get your creative juices flowing to devise unique ways you can honor your own family history. You won't be able to put the book down until you've read every story! Another excellent historical collection by Ms. Smolenyak.

This is a great collection of heartwarming short stories. Anyone who has ever searched for their family history or "misses their Nana" - take the time to read this book - what a pleasure to read - Easy to read, take your time & read a few stories a night.